The autism worldview dilemma: to normalise or not to normalise, that is the question

All three authors are members of the Independent Autism Research Group. Nick Chown has undertaken extensive autism research. Shona Murphy is a graduate teaching assistant at Edge Hill University and is researching autistic parental experiences of being accused of fabricated or induced illness. Elsa Suckle is a lecturer in SpLD/Dyslexia and Inclusion at Bath Spa University and has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent students in Higher and Further Education. This paper should be read by all who live and work with autistic children and adults. It serves to question the perspective we take and the potential outcomes. Three perspectives or paradigms are described – the medical model, radical behaviourism and the neurodivergent-affirmative model. Each derives from a different view of autism and so differ in their methods, with little common ground, termed by the authors as the 'autism worldview dilemma.' The authors argue that the most respectful and positive paradigm in terms of process and outcome is the neurodivergent perspective. This is gathering momentum as autistic communities and other neurodivergent groups take to social media and have greater visibility in research and the workplace. There is also now more effective and frequent consultation with autistic people on decisions which affect them. The Editor welcomes papers from those who have changed their perspective over the years giving their rationale and commentary for the journey they have taken.